Douglas Pfeiffer honored with emeritus status
Douglas Pfeiffer, professor of entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.
A member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 44 years, Pfeiffer made significant contributions to tree and small fruit and grape entomology through his work as a professor of entomology, developing alternative pest management strategies and educational programs for growers to reduce reliance on broadly toxic pesticides without sacrificing yield or profitability.
He supported countless tree and small fruit and grape producers, consultants, and industry stakeholders in the commonwealth, offering his expertise and guidance on effective integrated pest management through over 700 Extension pest management programs. He has consulted regionally, nationally, and internationally, guiding professional communities, stakeholders, and granting organizations.
He collaborated on and served as the Virgina lead in major internationally and federally funded initiatives across the world, including Cambodia, West Africa, South Asia, and in particular, Eastern Europe. His work in fruit entomology and invasive species brought international visibility to Virginia Tech.
Throughout his career, he mentored 67 master’s degree, doctoral, and postdoctoral entomology students, several of whom are now national leaders in industry or hold faculty positions at universities across the United States.
Pfeiffer has received many professional honors and awards, including the Land- Grant University Award from the Virginia AgriBusiness Council, the Tony K. Wolf Lifetime Achievement Award from the Virginia Vineyard Association, the Entomological Society of America Distinguished Teaching Award, the Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension, and the Herb T. Streu Meritorious Service Award, as well as the Program Excellence Award in New Initiatives in Citizen Science Spotted Lanternfly Detection. Pfeiffer has served as Eastern Branch ESA President and on the ESA Governing Board.
Pfeiffer received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, his master’s degree from North Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. from Washington State University.
